Discovering Inclusive Camping Experiences in Vermont and Beyond

Vermont, with its breathtaking natural landscapes and progressive spirit, offers unique opportunities for LGBTQ+ individuals and families seeking enriching outdoor experiences. While the state is renowned for its beauty, finding spaces that are explicitly welcoming and celebratory of queer identities can sometimes feel like a treasure hunt. From dedicated summer camps to inclusive private campgrounds, the landscape for queer-friendly outdoor adventures is evolving. Let's dive into what Vermont and its neighboring regions offer for those looking to connect with nature and community.

Camp Outright: A Beacon of Queer Joy in Vermont

For a truly transformative summer experience, Camp Outright stands out as Vermont's sole residential summer camp specifically designed for queer youth. Nestled amidst the state's stunning natural beauty, this camp provides a vibrant and safe haven where young people can explore their identities, build lasting friendships, and create unforgettable memories. Imagine a place where the anxieties of everyday life melt away, replaced by the sheer joy of belonging. That's the essence of Camp Outright.

The Camp Outright Experience: Dates, Applications, and Support

Camp Outright typically runs two consecutive week-long sessions during the summer, offering campers a choice based on their schedules. The application process opens in February and is managed through an online platform called CampBrain. It's important to note that applications are not first-come, first-served; rather, the camp strives to create diverse cohorts by considering factors like age, gender, race, and location. This thoughtful approach ensures that each session is rich with varied experiences and perspectives.

Securing a spot requires submitting all necessary paperwork by the deadline. For those traveling from afar, transportation assistance is available from Burlington International Airport (BTV). The camp also recognizes the financial burden of tuition and is deeply committed to making camp accessible. They offer robust partial and full scholarships, ensuring that financial need is never a barrier to participation. Scholarship applications are reviewed separately to maintain fairness in the cohort selection process.

Leadership opportunities are also available through the Leader-in-Training (LIT) program, offering a chance for older youth to develop valuable skills and contribute to the camp community. This program provides a stipend and is a fantastic way to give back while gaining experience.

Camp Life: Inclusivity in Action

What truly sets Camp Outright apart is its commitment to creating an environment that celebrates queer identity. Unlike mainstream camps where LGBTQ+ youth might face subtle or overt exclusion, Camp Outright actively cultivates an atmosphere of acceptance and affirmation. This means:

• Gender-Affirming Spaces: Cabins are housed by self-determined gender identity, and gender-liberated bathrooms with private stalls and showers are available throughout the camp.
• Inclusive Activities: From games organized by interest rather than gender to campfires filled with queer joy and skits, every aspect of programming is designed to foster community and self-expression.
• Health and Safety: The camp prioritizes camper well-being, with a dedicated Wellness Team managing medications and licensed mental health providers available for support. While not a therapeutic camp, this support system ensures campers feel cared for.
• Dietary Needs: The kitchen staff prepares delicious meals catering to various dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and common allergen-free options, with clear labeling to ensure everyone can dine safely and comfortably.
• Nature Immersion: The campsite boasts rustic cabins surrounded by forests and meadows. Activities like swim time are designed to be inclusive, with an understanding that comfort levels and attire can vary.

The impact of such an inclusive environment is profound. Campers often describe feeling a sense of profound belonging, with many sharing that camp has been a life-altering experience, empowering them to embrace their authentic selves and look forward to the future with hope.

Beyond Youth Camps: Inclusive Campgrounds and Retreats

While Camp Outright focuses on youth, the desire for inclusive outdoor spaces extends to adults as well. Vermont and its surrounding states are home to various establishments that cater to a diverse clientele, including LGBTQ+ individuals.

Frog Meadow Farm: A Gay-Owned Oasis in Southern Vermont

For gay and bisexual men seeking a restorative getaway, Frog Meadow Farm in Southern Vermont offers a welcoming experience as a Bed & Breakfast, Inn, and Massage Oasis. Located just minutes from the Rock River, it provides a serene setting for relaxation and rejuvenation. Hosts Dave and Scott have cultivated a space where men can leave the stresses of the outside world behind and connect with themselves and nature.

Clothing-Optional and Lifestyle-Friendly Environments

The concept of "lifestyle campgrounds" or "lifestyle resorts" often encompasses a more open and accepting atmosphere, which can be particularly appealing to LGBTQ+ individuals. These campgrounds, often found in states like New York and New Hampshire, may welcome guests regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, focusing on mutual respect and personal freedom within a shared space. Some are explicitly clothing-optional, offering a liberating experience for those who enjoy it.

These types of venues often emphasize privacy, natural beauty, and a relaxed ambiance, providing amenities such as spacious campsites, common areas, and recreational facilities. The focus is on creating a community where individuals can be themselves without judgment.

Navigating the Outdoor Experience: Key Considerations for Inclusivity

Creating truly inclusive outdoor spaces requires a conscious effort from organizers and participants alike. Several key elements contribute to a positive and affirming experience for everyone:

• Intentional Programming: Designing activities that are inherently inclusive, allowing for diverse forms of participation and expression.
• Inclusive Language and Policies: Using gender-neutral language, respecting pronouns, and establishing clear policies against discrimination. This extends to dress codes, cabin assignments, and social interactions.
• Staff Diversity and Training: Ensuring staff members are representative of the community they serve and are trained in LGBTQ+ cultural competency and anti-bias practices.
• Community Building: Fostering a sense of belonging through shared experiences, open communication, and opportunities for genuine connection.
• Respect for Land and History: For many, connecting with nature also involves acknowledging the Indigenous history of the land and practicing sustainable stewardship. Integrating Indigenous knowledge and collaborating with local communities can deepen this connection.

Ultimately, the goal is to create spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and safe. Whether it's a youth camp fostering lifelong friendships or an adult retreat offering a peaceful escape, the spirit of inclusivity enriches the outdoor experience for all. As the conversation around queer visibility and acceptance grows, so too does the potential for discovering welcoming havens in the great outdoors, especially in a state like Vermont that embraces diversity.